I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And soft and sweet the words repeat
Of "peace on earth, good will to men".

And now I thought the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Would toll along the unbroken song
Of "peace on earth, good will to men".

And in despair I bowed my head.
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of 'peace on earth, good will to men'."

Then tolled the bells more strong and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep!
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men!"